The Town of Hebden Bridge and The Village of Heptonstall, West Yorkshire

Hebden Bridge is a lovely town in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, lying at the confluence of the river Calder and the Hebden Water. Rochdale canal runs through the town too, adding extra charm to it. Like many other Yorkshire towns, Hebden Bridge used to be a mill town producing wool and woolen goods. Now, there are many interesting independent shops, unusual cafes etc., and for me it is one of the most attractive towns of West Yorkshire. I love its creative culture and the preserved olde worlde feel about it. What makes it even more dear to my heart is that it is only a few miles away from my favourite place, Haworth. The countryside between the two is very beautiful and the walk from Hebden Bridge to Haworth, or vice versa is on my list of walks to be done in the near future. I hadn't been to Hebden for a few years and on the Sunday a couple of weeks ago I was delighted to be back and to see some changes for the better. There is a market four days a week now, Thursday to Sunday, in the centre of the town; it was so good to see lots of stalls full of tempting local produce and craft products. The Hebden Bridge Mill shops seem to be open regularly now too with the vintage and ethnic stuff I always enjoy rifling through.

The pretty Hebden Bridge Station

Rochdale Canal

Rochdale Canal

Rochdale Canal

View of the town form the Rochdale Canal

Rochdale Canal

A most charming bistro with a balcony overlooking the river

The bridge over the river Calder in the heart of the town

Lovely little shopping centre

Cross Lane Methodist Graveyard half way up between Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall village

The gorgeous historic hilltop village of Heptonstall is my second favourite place in the world, Haworth of course, being the first. Some people think Heptonstall prettier than Haworth, and I can see why. It is perched high above Hebden Bridge and is characterised by its charming ancient hand-loom weavers cottages.

Around the entrance to the village

I was pleased to see a little craft shop had opened since my last visit in the building on the left.


Probably the most amazing sight you come across in the village - sheer fairy tale!

The ruins of the old Thomas a' Becket Church. The new church stands opposite





American poet and novelist Sylvia Plath was buried in Heptonstall. She was married to the Yorkshire poet Ted Hughes.



This street in the centre of Heptonstall reminds me very much of Haworth's Main Street with its cobbles and a distant view of the valley.



 https://www.visitcalderdale.com/towns-villages/hebden-bridge-heptonstall.





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